I had been interested in reading The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan for quite some time. Subtitled, “10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times” I was looking for helpful help.

The author suggests, “take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself. The same God who led you in will lead you out.”

Sunshine and sun dresses. Pretty hats and ironed clothes. Easter Sunday brings out the people who might have set church aside for a time. It’s a time to celebrate. It’s a time to remember the greatest event in human history. It’s a time for spiritual renewal and remembrance. Families reunite. Friends renew friendships. Songs fill their mouths. Joy fills their hearts. Smiles fill the air. Souls sail.

Last night The Tenors enjoyed time with both TreeHouse teens and TreeHouse supporters. During the time with the teens they shared some stories, took some questions, and listened to teens. They also offered two suggestions.

“Listen…compassionately to others;” it’s what helps the band to overcome the tensions that arise spending 300 days a year together on the road.

Their second piece of advice echoed their own story of rising from obscurity in Canada to become international favorites: “Find something you’re passionate about and put your heart into it (even when others doubt you).”

As my friend Mandy reminded us yesterday, like a dollar that’s seen better days, you’re value never changes.

Though this dollar has been folded and crumpled up, stomped down, torn off and snotted-on, it’s still just as valuable; it’s a dollar.

Even though you may have been unplanned, felt unwanted, been abused or discarded, felt unprotected or abandoned, misrepresented or misunderstood, you’re still just as valuable; you’re a unique, irreplaceable, invaluable, never-gonna-be-repeated human being.

No one could ever offer your unique perspective, you’re unique history, your unique combination of gifts and talents; you are absolutely irreplaceable.

Mysilentscream is here for you most days. Today #mysilentscream is for YOU to help me.

Today my daughter leaves for the Philippines. By the time many of you read this Shannon will be half a planet away. I’m blessed, thrilled and a little jealous of her. I’m also Shannon’s (“Punka’s”) anxious, unsettled, and already-lonely-for-her dad.

If you’re a praying person please pray for Shannon, her colleagues and her parents who were both just teary-eyed in the living room.